Recliner drive mechanism for a rocker chair

Abstract

This invention is related to a mechanism for use in a rocker recliner chair that reduces the complexity and links of typical linkage mechanisms. The rocker recliner chair includes a base, a rocker cam assembly mounted on the base, a seat, a footrest, a backrest and a pair of linkage mechanisms mounted on opposite sides of the chair. Each of the linkage mechanisms includes a recliner mechanism, a drive mechanism, and a footrest mechanism. The recliner mechanism is coupled to the base. The drive mechanism includes an ottoman drive bell crank and an ottoman drive link. The ottoman drive bell crank is coupled to a rear portion of the recliner mechanism. The ottoman drive link couples the ottoman drive bell crank to the footrest mechanism. The footrest mechanism is connected to the recliner mechanism by a footrest extension linkage. The footrest extension linkage serves to unlock the footrest mechanism thereby allowing the weight of the user, along with the drive mechanism, to move the chair from the chair position to the recliner position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Not applicable. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] This invention relates to a recliner mechanism for a rocker recliner chair, and more particularly to a drive mechanism for a rocker recliner chair that is capable of moving the chair from a closed position to an open, reclined position, then to a fully reclined position. [0004] Rocker recliners are generally well known in the furniture industry. Typically, rocker recliners are chairs with extendable footrests that allow the user to recline. Rocker recliner chairs usually contain a linkage mechanism comprised of a footrest mechanism, a recliner mechanism, and a drive mechanism. A rocker recliner chair typically has three positions in use: a closed, stowed position, an open, reclining position, and a fully-reclined position. The drive mechanism operates to move the footrest mechanism and the recliner me...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] In general, the rocker recliner chair includes a base, a rocker cam assembly mounted on the base, a seat, a footrest, a backrest and a pair of linkage mechanisms mounted on opposite sides of the chair. Each of the linkage mechanisms includes a recliner mechanism, a drive mechanism, and a footrest mechanism. The recliner mechanism is coupled to the base. The drive mechanism is coupled to the recliner mechanism at a first end and to the footrest mechanism at an opposite end. The footrest mechanism is connected to the recliner mechanism by a footrest extension linkage. The footrest extension linkage serves to unlock the footrest mechanism thereby allowing the weight of the user, along with the drive mechanism, to move the chair from the chair position to the recliner position.

[0010] In operation, to move the recliner from the closed, chair position to the open, recliner position, the user rotates a release lever or other activation means rearwardly. The rearward rotation of the lever or other activation means serves to unlock the footrest extension linkage, thereby allowing the weight of the user to move the recliner mechanism from the closed, chair position to the open, recliner position. The unlocking of the footrest extension linkage also allows the drive mechanism to assist in moving the footrest mechanism from the closed, chair position to the open, recliner position. The user may then fully recline the chair by pushing back on the backrest. The rearward force engages the back linkage. This rearward motion of the back linkage engages the lift linkage and drive mechanism and causes the seat to rise. The rearward motion of the back linkage also moves the recliner mechanism from the open, recliner position to the fully-reclined position.

Problems solved by technology

The linkage configurations that are currently in use involve complex mechanisms with an extremely high number of links and connections.

The high number of links and connections results in a drive mechanism with a large number of moving parts.

The high number of moving parts translates into greatly increased maintenance costs and production costs, namely; high machining costs, material costs, and assembly costs.

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